Michael Brestovansky
How does your government shape the way you live? What does your vote do to change and improve your community? These are questions I’m interested in answering for our readers. I want to make government more relatable by showing how decisions made at the City Council, the state Capitol or Washington D.C. affect you and your day-to-day life. I want to show how the gears of government fit together — and how they sometimes don’t — and what that means for people right here.
Of course, local government means local courts and local crime. I also hope to keep readers informed about cases and police procedures happening in their neighborhoods.
I grew up in Michigan and have worked at small local newspapers in Wisconsin and Oklahoma, but I’ve lived in Hawai‘i for more than seven years. Most of those were spent covering county government at the Hawai‘i Tribune-Herald in Hilo. Now I’ve moved to Honolulu, where I hope to cover the issues you’re interested in on every island.
I’m excited to work with Aloha State Daily and help make it into a place where readers can learn more about how their communities are connected to each other and to their government. And I’m excited to hear from you: what you’re concerned about, excited for or annoyed by. After all, government starts at home!
SPJ Hawai‘i 2025 Excellence in Journalism Awards: First Place, Best Overall News Site, for “Aloha State Daily,” by the ASD Newsroom, in the Internet Division; and First Place, Breaking News Reporting, “Tsunami warning canceled,” by ASD Staff, in the News Media division, open to all print and digital.
Michael Brestovansky can be reached at michael@alohastatedaily.com.
Latest from Michael Brestovansky
Storm damage? File claims soon, state recommends
Residents should report damage to their insurers promptly, even if they're unsure they have coverage.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 19, 2026
State, federal funding sought for Lala recovery
Gov. Green promised "significant appropriations" for road repairs in Ka‘u this year.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 18, 2026
BLNR rejects East Maui water auction decision
Controversial proposal to auction East Maui water rights for 30 years rejected pending legal challenge.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 15, 2026
‘Ewa Beach family offering $5,000 reward for tips about burglar
A burglar made off with more than $135,000 in jewelry from a house last weekend. The owners are offering a reward for tips that lead to an arrest.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 14, 2026
LALA UPDATE: Government offices, public schools reopen Tuesday on Honolulu, Maui, Kauaʻi counties
Government offices and schools will remain closed on Tuesday, Aug. 18 for Hawaiʻi County. Here are the latest state and county updates.
Michael Brestovansky & Haley LehmanAugust 12, 2026
Canada man pleads guilty to airline fraud
Dallas Pokornik posed as a pilot to receive "hundreds" of free flights for years.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 12, 2026
Maui, Kaua‘i counties sued over 2024 election data
Federal lawsuit latest in series of legal challenges surrounding the state's and counties' handling of 2024 election data.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 11, 2026
Liquid natural gas proposal builds momentum
$2 billion facility in Kapolei could go online by 2030.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 10, 2026
Who's winning in the primary election?
Here's how the most hotly contested races stand as of Sunday.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 09, 2026
Case, Tokuda, keep seats after blowout primary
Early results from the state primary elections indicate an all-but-assured victory for Hawai‘i's incumbent representatives.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 09, 2026
Lahaina harbor dredging project nearly half done
More than 8,300 cubic yards of material dredged from fire-damaged harbor
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 08, 2026
Maui police lieutenant charged with corruption
Michael Vaitu‘ulala, a 17-year veteran of the Maui Police Department, allegedly took thousands of dollars in bribes to protect illegal cockfights, drug deals, and more.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 07, 2026
DLNR proposing stricter wildlife conservation rules
Harassing native wildlife to be prohibited under proposed rules.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 06, 2026
Hawaiian Homes Commission lawsuit continues after evictions averted
Two Kaua‘i renters can stay in their apartments while their suit against the Hawaiian Homes Commission, which previously attempted to evict them, goes forward.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 05, 2026
Kapa‘a Quarry landfill plan spurs pushback
Plan to repeal landfill restrictions to build a landfill at the Kapa‘a Quarry already controversial
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 29, 2026
State airports administrator on paid leave following bribery indictment
Ford Fuchigami will appear in court Thursday along with Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 29, 2026
Kaua‘i renters facing eviction sue Hawaiian Homes Commission
The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands purchased a Kapa‘a apartment complex to help DHHL beneficiaries in 2024, but tenants who don't meet the department's blood quantum requirement have been served eviction notices, suit alleges.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 29, 2026
Tommy Waters ineligible for reelection, court rules
Honolulu Council Chair to appeal court ruling that he has already served for two full consecutive terms.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 28, 2026
Luke indicted for bribery
Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others have been charged in Attorney General corruption investigation
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 25, 2026
Senators demand answers after Iran casualties vanish from Pentagon website
Four soldiers, including one from ‘Ewa Beach, are no longer listed as casualties in Iran war on a Department of War website.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 24, 2026
Artificial reef coming to Waikīkī
$9 million NOAA project to stimulate coral restoration.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 24, 2026
State Supreme Court overturns Maui SMA permit exemptions
A 2024 rule allowing certain projects within the Special Management Area to go forward without a use permit has been overturned.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 23, 2026
'Get used' to new driver's licenses, says Blangiardi
New state ID cards brimming with anti-fraud features.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 22, 2026
Octogenarian, city, seek settlement in suit over $600,000 fine
A federal lawsuit between Sandra May and the City and County of Honolulu over an improper rental listing is likely to end out of court.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 21, 2026
Lawsuit against Hawai‘i's chief election officer could go to U.S. Supreme Court
Virginia-based Public Interest Legal Foundation sued Chief Election Officer Scott Nago over access to state voter registration data in 2023.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 18, 2026
Hilo man gets 10 years for child porn
Kalana Limkin, 20, founded an online child exploitation ring and attempted to goad children into hurting or killing themselves.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 17, 2026
2026 legislative session ends with 266 new laws
Gov. Josh Green signed the last bills of the year on Wednesday, and made his final veto decisions.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 17, 2026
Waialua man pleads guilty to violating Iran sanctions
Arash Einolghozati sent thousands of dollars to people in Iran despite longstanding economic sanctions.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 16, 2026
Green signs laws restricting AI
Regulations are coming to deepfakes and chatbots under new laws.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 16, 2026
Police shooting of man in 2025 Mākaha vehicular assault justified
Iosua Stevens was killed in June 2025 after ramming a police car with his truck.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 15, 2026
Green signs bills targeting medical debt, human trafficking and more
Highlights from a busy week of bill signing.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 10, 2026
State energy office slams retracted UHERO solar energy report
State energy officer Mark Glick said the now-withdrawn report was unrealistic, unserious and unsupported by data.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 10, 2026
State AG to investigate alleged Sylvia Luke campaign finance violations
A complaint by the Campaign Spending Commission alleging 12 campaign finance violations has been referred to the state Attorney General for possible prosecution.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 09, 2026
'99.9%' of vapes to be banned under new laws
A pair of new laws Gov. Josh Green signed Tuesday will strongly curtail what e-cigarette products are permitted to be sold in the state.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 08, 2026
Green signs new Marine Affairs office into law
New state office will govern ocean and aquatic resources and policies.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 07, 2026
CONGRESS WATCH: Schatz introduces bill requiring labels on AI content
U.S. Congress considered AI measures and other legislation last week.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 03, 2026
David Lazar sworn in as new HPD chief
Lazar, former assistant chief for the San Francisco Police Department, is HPD's 13th chief, and the first to be hired from outside the department in 90 years.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 03, 2026
Supreme Court: 'I'm sorry' doesn't mean you're guilty
Honolulu man's reflexive apology to a police officer in 2019 shouldn't have been admissible in court, the Hawai‘i Supreme Court ruled.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 02, 2026
Blangiardi warns of 'unprecedented' fireworks enforcement amid wildfire prevention campaign
City, state and federal agencies launched the 2026 Wildfire LOOKOUT! campaign Tuesday with advice and warnings about what to do and not do to avoid wildfires.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 01, 2026
No contested case for tow woes at Ala Wai
Despite complaints over tow-happy parking enforcement at Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, a contested case hearing will not be going forward.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 30, 2026
Controversial Hale‘iwa housing project back on the table
Despite opposition, the 150-unit Hale‘iwa housing project returned to a County Council committee this week.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 27, 2026
Green signs $20 billion budget bill, plans to veto 4 others
Gov. Josh Green signed a supplemental budget bill Friday and unveiled his list of four measures he intends to kill.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 27, 2026
U.S. Supreme Court stakes Hawai‘i's 'vampire' gun law
A 2023 law prohibiting bringing concealed firearms onto private property without the owner's explicit consent has been deemed unconstitutional.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 26, 2026
DOJ awards $17 million to over 600 Red Hill plaintiffs
Military family members impacted by the Red Hill water contamination receive settlements, but the case continues as thousands more plaintiffs remain.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 25, 2026
City loan program for first-time homebuyers nears passage
A Honolulu City Council committee discussed a long-gestating program that would allow prospective homebuyers to apply for a loan from the city to help cover a down payment on a home.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 24, 2026
Lawsuit calls for preliminary suspension of Act 11
A follow-up to the Grassroot Institute of Hawai‘i's lawsuit against the state over the new anti-corporate-spending bill urges the courts to prevent the enforcement of the law as the suit progresses.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 23, 2026
Two lawsuits against state retirement system go to Supreme Court
Two retirees have sued the state over disability benefits, in separate cases now going to the state's highest court.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 20, 2026
Wahiawā Dam in state hands
The State Agribusiness Development Corp. signed off Thursday on a transfer agreement to take over ownership of the Wahiawā Dam and other related parcels.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 19, 2026
New laws coming in second half of 2026
Several new laws are set to take effect beginning July 1. Here are some highlights.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 19, 2026
CONGRESS WATCH: Flood control, fire control
U.S. Senate introduces, passes measures to improve flood and wildfire mitigation on federal lands.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 18, 2026
Noise violation fines to increase under Maui County bill
Maui County Council will discuss proposal to sharply increase fines for noise violations
Michael BrestovanskyJune 17, 2026
UPDATED: Hawai‘i Supreme Court declines to rule on 2024 election question
A petition urged Supreme Court to require an investigation into the 2024 election before 2026 election is certified.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 17, 2026
Are elephants people? State Supreme Court to weigh in
Two Honolulu Zoo elephants, Mari and Vaigai, are at the center of a Supreme Court case about the rights of non-human animals.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 16, 2026
Maui County review recommends total 'reform' of volunteer boards
The Maui County Cost of Government Commission found systemic dysfunction throughout 15 of the county's volunteer boards and commissions.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 13, 2026
West O‘ahu landfill no longer in the works
Makaiwa Hills landfill goes unfunded in county capital improvement budget.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 12, 2026
Montana man charged with sending death threats to Gov. Green
Eric Boltz allegedly threatened to kill Gov. Green and his family across nine voicemails last December.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 11, 2026
Here's who's running for office in 2026, part 1
Tuesday marked the filing deadline for prospective political candidates. See who's running for state offices here.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 04, 2026
Federal lawsuit targets state hemp regulations
An O‘ahu dispensary has claimed that Hawai‘i's laws regulating hemp are illegal.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 03, 2026
Mililani teacher housing project still on schedule
95 apartments for Department of Education employees are scheduled to be move-in ready by late 2029 or early 2030.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 02, 2026
Kaua‘i Council halts land purchase over chemical contamination concerns
A $5 million land purchase for a county auto repair shop drew questions about long-term environmental impacts.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 30, 2026
Former Hawai‘i County housing official sentenced for bribery scheme
Alan Scott Rudo was paid nearly $1.9 million for conspiring to fraudulently award housing development contracts to his associates.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 30, 2026
Octogenarian sues Honolulu over $600,000 fines
Sandra May was told she owed the city hundreds of thousands of dollars over an improper online rental listing.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 29, 2026
Lytvynchuk pleads 'not guilty' in monk seal case
Igor Lytvynchuk will be barred from O‘ahu beaches as his court case over an alleged attack on a Hawaiian monk seal continues.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 28, 2026
CONGRESS WATCH: Firework laundering
Hawai‘i lawmakers introduce bill making fireworks trafficking prosecutable under money laundering laws.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 27, 2026
Department of Education gears up for new cell phone policy
All state schools will prohibit phone use by elementary and middle schoolers during school hours, and could do the same for high schoolers.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 25, 2026
Lambert says no to deputy chief role for the time being
Mike Lambert, who will return to HPD later this year, won't be incoming Chief David Lazar's deputy for the foreseeable future, nor will he run again for the top spot, he said Friday.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 23, 2026
NOAA predicts strong hurricane season
An early forecast of this year's hurricane season estimates between five and 13 tropical cyclones in the Eastern and Central Pacific, and Hawai‘i residents are advised to start preparing now.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 22, 2026
Tax cuts saved: Green signs bill to preserve most upcoming tax cuts
Despite previous announcements that future tax cuts would need to be paused, Gov. Josh Green signed on Thursday a measure that preserves most of them.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 22, 2026
Dave Lazar named as next Honolulu Police Chief
Honolulu Police Commission names former San Francisco assistant chief to lead Honolulu Police Department. His start date is up in the air, pending a deeper background investigation and contract negotiations.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 21, 2026
Hawai‘i Island 'Burning Man' festival given green light
Windward Planning Commission approves application for "Falls On Fire" festival, despite trepidation from neighbors.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 20, 2026
Top cops: The last Mainland HPD chief?
Dave Lazar, candidate for Honolulu's police chief, promises strong leadership, technological improvements and no deals with ICE.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 19, 2026
Green signs anti-corporate spending bill
Senate Bill 2471, now Act 11, aims to limit corporate influence on Hawai‘i's elections
Michael BrestovanskyMay 16, 2026
Top cops: HPD chief candidate Mike Lambert wants to improve officer morale
Department of Law Enforcement director Mike Lambert believes fixing officer retention is the key to improving Honolulu's police
Michael BrestovanskyMay 16, 2026
UHERO warns higher prices to come as Iran war continues
UHERO's second quarterly forecast significantly less rosy than the first after Strait of Hormuz closure.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 15, 2026
Honolulu to consider landfill alternatives
Honolulu City Council passes resolution forming "End Landfills Task Force"
Michael BrestovanskyMay 15, 2026
Man arrested for attack on monk seal
Igor Lytvynchuk, who reportedly said he is "rich enough to pay the fines" from allegedly attacking an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, faces up to $70,000 in fines and potential prison time.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 14, 2026
Hawai‘i County to decide whether to allow 'Burning Man'-style festival
"Falls on Fire" festival in Pāpa‘ikou has generated controversy among Big Isle neighbors.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 13, 2026
Formby steps down as Honolulu managing director
Mike Formby to step down from managing director position after five years.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 11, 2026
Young Brothers rate hikes, anti-ICE bills cross finish line
The 2026 legislative session finally ended Friday, with more bills passing at the eleventh hour.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 09, 2026
Legislature OKs bills reducing pennies, kids in pickup trucks and more
With only one day left this legislative session, what new laws might take effect this year?
Michael BrestovanskyMay 08, 2026
Senators, colleagues remember Colleen Hanabusa
Scores attended a memorial service for the late Hanabusa at the state Senate Thursday.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 08, 2026
Video of man throwing rock at monk seal under investigation
Man in social media video has been identified by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, but his identity has been withheld pending a review by a federal agency.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 07, 2026
Pay increases coming for Hawai‘i teachers
House and Senate unanimously sign off of annual step increases for public school teachers.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 07, 2026
State awards $63 million contract to upgrade financial data system
Hawai‘i's 55-year-old financial system will get a much-needed overhaul
Michael BrestovanskyMay 06, 2026
Acting lieutenant governor position just 'part of the job,' Regan says
Comptroller-turned-state-second-in-command tells Aloha State Daily his priorities are simply to keep his offices running as smoothly as possible.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 05, 2026
Gravel shipment to Moloka‘i OK'd despite anti-beetle restrictions
A barge carrying supplies to Kalaupapa will be permitted in the summer, despite a rule preventing the transport of potential coconut rhinoceros beetle host material.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 02, 2026
Senate confirms Devens for chief justice
Vladimir Devens was confirmed Thursday to chief justice of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court, despite controversy.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 01, 2026
City launches program to reduce residential sewer bills
The Customer Assistance Residential Environmental Services, or CARES, program can drop users' sewer bills to zero for a few months.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 01, 2026
Tax cuts still on the table
A series of historic tax cuts Gov. Josh Green passed in 2024 were set to pause after this year. A bill that would preserve some of them is on the verge of passage.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 30, 2026
Hawai‘i Island firefighter dispute reaches state Supreme Court
A 2014 grievance between two firefighters and their chief is still alive and reached the state's highest court last week.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 29, 2026
Who is Hawai‘i's Acting Lieutenant Governor?
The state comptroller will take over the duties of the lieutenant governor for an indefinite period.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 28, 2026
Former Maui chief of staff sues county over alleged corruption
Leo Caires, Mayor Richard Bissen's former chief of staff, has accused the county of firing him unjustly after investigating multiple fraud cases within the county government.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 25, 2026
Senate committee narrowly approves Chief Justice nominee
Vladimir Devens' nomination to Supreme Court's highest seat passed a confirmation hearing with a 3-2 vote.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 24, 2026